The Guardian Angel by Paul de Kock

The Guardian Angel
A Chapter from "Zizine"
by
Paul de Kock
Edward never passed a day without going to Madame Dolbert's;
the good lady received him as a man to whom she hoped one day to
give the name of son, and Stephanie with that sweet smile which
betrayed to all eyes the inmost secret of her heart.
But it was not thus that the lover of Stephanie desired to be
loved. Conducting himself before the world with an extreme
reserve, it was only in private, and in low whispers, and when
removed from the vigilance of her grandmother, that Edward spoke
to the young girl of love; but then his words were burning, and
his eyes had an expression which compelled Stephanie to avert her
own; his caressing hands sought always to approach her -- to touch
the robe, the arm, or the knee of the young girl, who sometimes
found herself suddenly embraced, and pressed warmly to a heart
that was beating rapidly with the most ardent desires.
Stephanie responded with an undisguis...